Liberia is one of the world’s poorest countries. Its economy, institutions, and human capacity were devastated by a 14-year civil war. Annual GDP per capita is only US$240 and life expectancy reaches only 45 years.

Since the end of the war in 2003, this country of about 3.5 million people has made great progress despite the considerable difficulties and risks that remain. It has held elections, reestablished a public financial management system, begun rebuilding public sector institutions, reestablished the delivery of some essential public services, and laid the foundations of a local government system.

Download 7-page brief:
Helping a Nation Rebuild After a Devastating War - August 2009 (PDF)